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Pecorino

  • Made from sheep's milk

  • Country of origin: Italy

  • Family: Pecorino

  • Type: hard

  • Texture: creamy

  • Colour: pale yellow

  • Vegetarian: no

Pecorino cheese is an Italian cheese made from sheep's milk, particularly the milk of the Sardinian breed of sheep known as "Pecora" in Italian, from which it gets its name. There are several types of Pecorino cheese, each with unique characteristics, but they all share a distinctive, tangy flavour and a crumbly texture. Pecorino cheese is popular for its versatility, as it can be used for grating, shaving, or eating in chunks. It pairs well with Italian wines. The characteristics of Pecorino cheese can vary based on factors like the region where it is produced, the ageing period and the cheese-making techniques used.

Popular varieties of Pecorino cheese that have Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status are:

Pecorino Toscano: This cheese comes from Tuscany and has a milder, sweeter flavour than its Roman and Sardinian counterparts. It is a hard cheese and is often used in salads, sandwiches, or as part of a cheese platter.

Pecorino Romano: This is a hard and salty cheese originating from the region of Lazio, Sardinia, and parts of Tuscany. Pecorino Romano is known for its sharp and robust flavour.

Pecorino Sardo: Hailing from the island of Sardinia, Pecorino Sardo has a more subtle, nutty flavour than Pecorino Romano. It is aged for several months and is a versatile cheese used in various dishes.

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